About Amnesty New Zealand
Posted December 11, 2007 - 11:05am
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand (AIANZ) exists to facilitate the best contribution New Zealanders can make to ending serious violations of human rights worldwide.
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand (AIANZ) is a section of the global Amnesty International movement.
The country's first Amnesty International group was formed in Wellington in 1965, and a formal national structure created in 1966.
The movement in New Zealand comprises approximately 8,000 individuals and organisations ("corporate members") making varying contributions of time, expertise and money.
Their contribution is supported by a National Operations Team based at 68 Grafton Road, Grafton, Auckland and the movement's International Secretariat based in London.
The campaigning of the section is carried out by its activist members through local and specialist teams and various action networks. Voluntary Coordinators or Coordination Groups support campaigning on particular regions or themes, or from particular sectors of the community, and various service and organizational work such as IT development, new member welcoming and fundraising. The section is an incorporated society (Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand Inc.) under the Incorporated Societies Act of New Zealand.
The campaigning program of the section includes lobbying through letterwriting and delegations, publicity and development activities through a range of "action forms".
At any one time AIANZ's campaigners are working on cases and issues in approximately 90 countries, but AIANZ makes a special international contribution to human rights in the Asia-Pacific region and through the Commonwealth. The AIANZ Campaign Office acts as the secretariat for the Association of Commonwealth Amnesty International Sections.
AIANZ promotes all the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards through participation in New Zealand human rights education programs and campaigning for implementation of international human rights treaties.
Contributors who give financially on a regular basis support Amnesty International through the Amnesty Foundation. Members of the Freedom Foundation contribute a minimum of $1000 a year.
The AIANZ financial strategy and accounts are approved by the Annual Meeting. In 2004 AIANZ's income was $1,174,551. 16.6% went to the international budget to support research and international campaigning.
AIANZ is a member of the Human Rights Network of Aotearoa New Zealand, an associate member of the Council for International Development, and a member of the Association of NGOs of Aotearoa.
AIANZ maintains a comprehensive website at www.amnesty.org.nz, from which Amnesty International information about human rights violations, campaigning and policy can be downloaded.
A range of specialized information is sent via email to networks, coordinators and teams
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand (AIANZ) is a section of the global Amnesty International movement.
The country's first Amnesty International group was formed in Wellington in 1965, and a formal national structure created in 1966.
The movement in New Zealand comprises approximately 8,000 individuals and organisations ("corporate members") making varying contributions of time, expertise and money.
Their contribution is supported by a National Operations Team based at 68 Grafton Road, Grafton, Auckland and the movement's International Secretariat based in London.
How is AIANZ governed and managed?
Amnesty International's policies and plans are discussed and decided at annual general meetings of the membership in each country and meetings of their elected representatives held every two years as the International Council. AIANZ is led at the national level by a Governance Team elected by members at the Annual Meeting, and a management team headed by the Executive Director.National Leadership:
Governance Team (updated May 2008)
| Chairperson: | Stefanie Rixecker |
| Vice Chair: | Diana Pickard |
| Treasurer: | Andy Greensmith |
| Committee: |
Management Team (updated August 2008)
| Chief Executive Officer: | Patrick Holmes |
| Executive Assistant: | Kirsten Lowe |
| Campaigns & Advocacy Director: | Rebecca Emery |
| Activism Support Manager: | Margaret Taylor |
| Fundraising Manager: | Sam Healey-Cunningham |
| IT Manager/Webmaster: | Vivian Chandra |
| Finance Manager: | Tam Alexander |
The campaigning of the section is carried out by its activist members through local and specialist teams and various action networks. Voluntary Coordinators or Coordination Groups support campaigning on particular regions or themes, or from particular sectors of the community, and various service and organizational work such as IT development, new member welcoming and fundraising. The section is an incorporated society (Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand Inc.) under the Incorporated Societies Act of New Zealand.
What does AIANZ do?
AIANZ's contribution to AI's work is decided by members participating in the Annual Meeting.The campaigning program of the section includes lobbying through letterwriting and delegations, publicity and development activities through a range of "action forms".
At any one time AIANZ's campaigners are working on cases and issues in approximately 90 countries, but AIANZ makes a special international contribution to human rights in the Asia-Pacific region and through the Commonwealth. The AIANZ Campaign Office acts as the secretariat for the Association of Commonwealth Amnesty International Sections.
AIANZ promotes all the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards through participation in New Zealand human rights education programs and campaigning for implementation of international human rights treaties.
Finances
AIANZ's funds come from subscriptions and donations from its New Zealand membership and the general public. To safeguard the independence of the organization no money is sought or accepted from governments.Contributors who give financially on a regular basis support Amnesty International through the Amnesty Foundation. Members of the Freedom Foundation contribute a minimum of $1000 a year.
The AIANZ financial strategy and accounts are approved by the Annual Meeting. In 2004 AIANZ's income was $1,174,551. 16.6% went to the international budget to support research and international campaigning.
Formal relationships and official recognition
In New Zealand Amnesty International has had the active support of all the major political parties. The Parliamentary groups brings issues of concern to the attention of parliamentarians and to international parliamentary bodies such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the International Parliamentary Union.AIANZ is a member of the Human Rights Network of Aotearoa New Zealand, an associate member of the Council for International Development, and a member of the Association of NGOs of Aotearoa.
Information
Amnesty International New Zealand sends freedom letter to all contributors four times a year. AIANZ publishes an annual report in May. These are available from the office at 68 Grafton Road, Auckland. The annual report is available online.AIANZ maintains a comprehensive website at www.amnesty.org.nz, from which Amnesty International information about human rights violations, campaigning and policy can be downloaded.
A range of specialized information is sent via email to networks, coordinators and teams
